DescriptionGeriatrics is a field of medicine that deals with elderly people. The main focus of medical doctors in this field – geriatricians – is the overall health of elderly patients, and diagnosis and treatment of any illnesses they may encounter. Elderly-patient care often involves multiple health concerns at the same time, and patients may not respond to treatments in the same way as younger patients. Geriatricians are trained to deal with these unique situations. Social aspects involving elderly patients, such as home support, may also be evaluated by a geriatrician providing care.

Dr. schaer was educated at the following institutions:

Medical School Attended:university of california davis school of medicine

Year of Graduation:
1981

Dr. schaer received medical licensing as follows:

Medical License:
Recieved in 1987

State Medical License:
Issued in the state of New Jersey

Dr. schaer accepts insurance from these companies:

aetna

blue cross blue shield

united healthcare

Acceptance of particular Insurance Plans may vary, based on different office locations. As a result, we've listed Plans accepted at different locations.>

See what state and federal disciplinary actions (if any) have been reported against this doctor in the past five years.>

Disciplinary Actions: Not Available

Disciplinary actions are actions taken to punish or restrict physicians who have demonstrated professional misconduct. They are intended to correct the doctor's misconduct. Physicians with disciplinary actions may continue to practice, depending on the board's decision. Physicians who have had a disciplinary action in one state will often move to another state where he/she may have a clean record in that new state. Lifescript's Doctor Finder compiles disciplinary action information from all 50 states, you'll know if a physician has a disciplinary action in more than one state.

Geriatrics focuses on the health of the elderly. Its goal is to provide health and preventative care to treat diseases and disabilities facing the elderly. Geriatrics differs from gerontology, the study of aging.

Who are geriatrics physicians and what do they do?

Geriatrics physicians, also called geriatricians, are primary care doctors board-certified in family medicine or internal medicine who have trained and received the Certificate of Added Qualifications in geriatric medicine.

Geriatrics physicians are trained to detect complications from diseases in their patients as well as mild problems, such as dehydration. Mild problems in the elderly can compound a situation and lead to more serious health consequences. For example, a fever may cause confusion, leading to a fall, which in turn could cause a bone fracture.

What questions should I ask my geriatrician?

There are myriad health concerns and questions you may have. Here are a few questions to ask your geriatrics physician:

What are the benefits of physical activity for my condition(s), and how much should I be doing?

(For women) Is hormone replacement therapy something I should consider?

Do I need a comprehensive geriatric assessment?

How do I plan for the future and maintain my ability to care for myself at home?

If I need help, what resources are available and how do I plan ahead for my future personal care needs?

Can I refuse health-care treatment if I do not want it?

What is an Advanced Healthcare Directive?

What are the differences between adult-care medicine and geriatric medicine?

Adult-care physicians focus on the health care of all adults, whereas geriatrics physicians focus on the unique needs of elderly patients. An elderly patients’ body is different physiologically; decline of organ function and overall quality of life is common. Diseases due to poor lifestyle choices may manifest in old age. For example, smokers may need oxygen to compensate for a degenerated respiratory system; a life-long smoking habit may also result in throat or lung cancer.

Geriatrics physicians often have subspecialties. What are some of the most common subspecialties?